Agfa Selectronic Sensor (1970–1976)
A 35mm fixed-lens viewfinder camera with aperture-priority autoexposure and a unique film transport system.
Overview
The Agfa Selectronic Sensor is a 35mm viewfinder camera with a fixed lens. Agfa made it from 1970 to 1976. Exposure is aperture-priority auto, run by a CdS cell meter, and the shutter fires from an electromagnetic release under a red foil membrane. It was one of two models in the Selectronic Sensor range, positioned as a second camera for serious enthusiasts. It shares design elements with the Optima Sensor 200 and 500 and was sold alongside them until the Optima Sensor Electronic series replaced it in 1976.
Specifications
| Lens | Agfa Color Apotar f/2.8 45mm (3 Elements in 3 Groups) |
| Shutter | Agfa Paratronic, 15 sec. to 1/500 sec., continuously variable |
| Exposure | Aperture priority auto exposure |
| Meter | CdS cell |
| Film Speed | 25–400 ASA (15–27 DIN) |
| Flash | Hot shoe with center contact, automatic switchover from time to flash mode |
| Film Advance | Lever |
| Rewind | Lever reverses winder gearing; film advance lever used for rewind |
| Frame Counter | Manually zeroed, counts up during advance, counts down during rewind |
| Size | 117 x 83 x 66 mm (W x H x D) |
| Weight | 470g |
| Battery | 2 PX625 |
| Filter Size | 49mm screw fit |
| Close Focus | 3' (0.9m) |
| Diaphragm | Stops down to about f/22 |
Design
The Agfa Paratronic shutter has two blades, controlled electromagnetically and fired by a release under a red foil membrane ringed in metal. Two circular windows sit on the front. The right one houses the CdS cell. The left is a luminous indicator for battery status and delayed exposure. The large viewfinder projects separate scales for shutter speed and aperture. Film loads through a closed receptacle with a slit. You insert the leader and a sprocket grips it. The film advance lever is on the left side of the bottom plate, and the film is exposed upside-down. A lever marked "R" on the right side of the lens reveals a push-button that reverses the transport gearing for rewind. The cable release is on the back-side of the top plate, above the battery test button. Opening the back releases the film retaining spindle on the base. Batteries go in a pullout drawer on the side.
Context
The Selectronic Sensor came out in 1970 as one of two models in its range. The other was the rangefinder-equipped Selectronic Sensor S, which had a higher-grade Solinar lens. The viewfinder-only Selectronic Sensor copied design features from the Optima Sensor 200 and 500. Both models were sold alongside the Optima line until 1976. Agfa exited camera production in 1983. The Selectronic name was reused in the 1980s for Chinon-made SLRs with K mount.
Market
The current market price for the Agfa Selectronic Sensor is €59.95 EUR. The aperture setting ring can be stiff. This example is described as completely functional and comes with new batteries.
Market Value
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ AGFA SELECTRONIC SENSOR Nov 2026 │ ├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ High $90 Latest $62 │ │ Median $59 Trend — │ │ Low $52 Volume ~2/mo │ ├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ $100 ┤ │ │ │ │ │ │. │ │ $79 ┤ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ . .│ │ $50 ┤ . . │ │ ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│ │ vol │██ █ █ █│ │ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│ │ 2026-04 2026-05 2026-05│ └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
eBay completed sales. Excludes accessories, parts, and non-working units. Hover points for details.
eBay Listings
Recently sold on eBay: $52–$90 (median $59, based on 5 completed sales, past 12 months)
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